Understanding how changes in sugar molecules affect cancer progression

Toward understanding the role of altered glycosylation in cancer

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11092110

This study is looking at how changes in sugar molecules on proteins might help cancer cells avoid the immune system, and it aims to find ways to boost the immune response against cancer, which could be helpful for patients undergoing treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11092110 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of altered glycosylation, which refers to changes in sugar molecules attached to proteins, in the progression of cancer. By using advanced techniques in glycoproteomics, biochemistry, and bioinformatics, the study aims to uncover how these changes contribute to immune evasion in tumors. The research focuses on a specific protein called TIM3, which is involved in immune signaling and may play a role in cancer immunotherapy. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how to enhance immune responses against cancer by targeting these glycan changes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that may be influenced by immune evasion mechanisms.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancers are not related to glycosylation changes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer immunotherapy strategies that enhance the body's ability to fight cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding glycosylation's role in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions anti-cancer immunotherapyanticancer immunotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.